Feng shui practitioner Kanika Babal believes small, intentional shifts in a space can lead to incredible life transformations and infuse each day with more flow and balance. Photo: Chris Emeott
Discover the transformative powers of feng shui.
Some people notice when a room just doesn’t feel right, and Kanika Babal, owner of Heaven and Earth Feng Shui, has always been deeply attuned to the energies around her, and she has an innate gift for shifting them. In 2012, she felt a strong pull toward exploring this further and became a certified feng shui practitioner.
At first, she just wanted to expand her understanding, but after completing her training, she found herself helping friends and family and making positive impacts in their lives. Babal was inspired by this experience and felt driven to use her passion and skills to help even more people.
This led her to start Heaven and Earth Feng Shui that same year. “I thought that if I really wanted to help more people, I could start offering my services,” she says. “It was very organic. It wasn’t something I necessarily decided was my path; it came to me.” Since then, Babal has helped countless Minnetonka residents, along with clients throughout the Metro, country and world, to transform their homes or businesses into spaces that help bring their goals to life.
Feng shui is all about how every element in a space affects the flow of energy, called chi. When a space is arranged thoughtfully, it can lead to wonderful transformations because smooth chi flow leads to positive change. Babal explains that many feng shui principles help to make this happen. The bagua map shows which areas of a home influence various aspects of life, including health, relationships and wealth. The five elements—earth, fire, metal, water and wood—bring the right energy to each area. Yin and yang promote balance and harmony throughout a space, and command positions guide the placement of objects, like a bed or desk, to create a sense of safety and security.
Kanika Babal
Clearing clutter is a basic principle that can make the most significant difference by removing stagnant energy. Bringing nature into a space, such as increasing natural light and adding plants, can help keep things feeling alive. These principles work together to foster chi and transformation.
When clients reach out to Babal, the process begins with an initial meeting to assess a client’s goals. “After that initial meeting, I request a blueprint of the client’s house,” she says. “I study the blueprint and align it with the bagua map.”
The bagua map shows which areas of a home influence various aspects of life, including health, relationships and wealth.
Next, Babal visits the space in person and practices what she calls intuitive feng shui. Rather than making changes that strictly adhere to feng shui rules, she considers the client’s emotional needs, lifestyle and spiritual aspirations. During her walk-through, she keeps in mind what feels right for the people living there or using the space.
Following this visit, Babal prepares a detailed final report, filled with personalized recommendations. Many clients continue to work with Babal, inviting her to assist with design ideas, organization or sourcing products that foster chi.
Over the years, Babal has seen the difference feng shui can make in people’s lives. Many clients have shared that they have calmer spaces, improved well-being and a sense of alignment with their goals. She has also worked with clients who are seeking relief from migraines, poor sleep and anxiety, and has assisted those with ADHD, teens suffering from depression and adults addressing career, health and relationship issues. Babal has found that even the smallest changes in their spaces make a significant difference.
The importance of her work has been recognized beyond her client base and is valued by business professionals, like Realtors, who recognize how feng shui can influence a buyer’s experience. “In today’s market, where buyers are not only looking for a home but also harmony, balance and positive energy, [Babal’s] insights are truly remarkable and much needed,” says Tasha Soundara, Realtor and president of the Twin Cities chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America.
For Babal, feng shui is so much more than changing spaces; it’s about transforming lives. “My goal is to help people understand how small shifts in their surroundings can create powerful transformations,” she says. “Whether it’s improving the energy of homes, offices or community spaces, I want to make feng shui accessible to everyone and help demystify it for those who may not know much about it.”
Heaven and Earth Feng Shui
Instagram: @heavenearth_healing
